Ammunition Magazine Retention and Drawing Device

ABSTRACT

A device for aiding in the retention and drawing of ammunition magazines is disclosed. This invention does two things that previous ammunition magazine draw devices do not do. First, this invention is designed so that when an individual uses the invention to draw a magazine from its pouch, the magazine is drawn into the palm of the hand, providing a more solid and more comfortable grasp on the magazine. Second, this invention is equipped with a built-in retention feature. The device also features a hook shaped handle which is designed to protrude from the side of a magazine and easily catch a persons finger, making it faster than devices currently available on the market.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made to a provisional patent application filed on Nov. 1, 2012, under application number 61721273, representing the same information as provided in this document and attached supporting documents.

The present invention relates to a device used for the retention of an ammunition magazine within a magazine pouch on a load-bearing vest. The present invention, a device, also aids in the quick drawing of an ammunition magazine from an ammunition pouch on a load bearing vest.

Soldiers, tactical law enforcement personnel, military contractors, competitive marksmen, and the like, utilize load bearing vests, body armor carriers, vests, hip holsters, and other systems which are equipped with pouches or pockets to store magazines of ammunition for their assault rifles or other firearms. For these individuals, it is important to have ammunition magazines secured properly, yet at the same time be able to access these magazines quickly. With most pouches, only a small portion of the magazines are exposed and they often fit tightly when inside the storage pouch. It is often difficult to quickly draw a magazine of ammunition from these pouches. Devices have been created in the past to help individuals draw or retrieve magazines from their pouches.

Magazine pouches often have retention systems to ensure that magazines do not fall out during rigorous activity or sudden jarring of the body. While the retention systems are often desired or seen as necessary, they cause delay when an individual is attempting to quickly draw a magazine from its pouch and reload his/her rifle. Some pouches are designed without a retention system or designed with retention systems which can be disengaged so that an individual can more quickly draw a magazine. Unfortunately, individuals must choose between using a pouch with an active retention system involving a two step draw process (removing the retention device, then drawing out the magazine), which is slow, or using a faster pouch with a one step draw process (drawing out the magazine), which has no active retention system. Other devices aide in the retrieval or drawing of ammunition magazines from pouches, however, these other devices are not as fast, are not ergonomically friendly, and do not provide a retention feature.

This invention does two things that previous ammunition magazine draw systems do not do. First, this invention is designed so that when an individual uses the invention to draw a magazine from its pouch, the magazine is drawn into the palm of the hand, providing a more solid and more comfortable grasp on the magazine. Second, this invention is equipped with a built-in retention device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the present invention to be clearly understood and readily practiced, the present invention will be described in conjunction with the following figures, wherein:

The detailed description will refer to the following drawings in which like numerals refer to like items, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an ammunition magazine retention and drawing device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an ammunition magazine retention and drawing device adhered to an exemplary ammunition magazine.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating an embodiment of an ammunition magazine retention and drawing device adhered to an exemplary ammunition magazine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As stated above, soldiers, tactical law enforcement personnel, military contractors, competitive marksmen, and the like, utilize load bearing vests, body armor carriers, vests, hip holsters, and other systems which are equipped with pouches or pockets to store magazines of ammunition for their rifles. For these individuals, it is important to have ammunition magazines secured properly, yet at the same time be able to access these magazines quickly. With most pouches, only a small portion of the magazines are exposed and they often fit tightly when inside the storage pouch. It is often difficult to quickly draw a magazine of ammunition from these pouches.

Magazine pouches often have retention systems to ensure that magazines do not fall out during rigorous activity or jarring. While the retention systems are often desired or seen as necessary, they cause delay when an individual is attempting to quickly draw a magazine from its pouch and reload his/her weapon. Some pouches are designed without a retention system or designed with retention systems which can be disengaged, or made inactive, so that an individual can more quickly draw a magazine.

Unfortunately, individuals must choose between using a pouch with an active retention system (a two step draw process), which is slow, or using a faster pouch system (a one step draw process), which has no active retention system. The invention claimed here solves this problem. The invention enables a person to more easily and more quickly retrieve a magazine of ammunition from a magazine pouch or other storage area. The invention also secures the magazine of ammunition to a magazine pouch, negating the need for other retention systems. The invention is designed in such a manner that the act of retrieving the magazine via the invention, also assists in disengaging the invention's built-in retention feature. The device turns a two-step process into one-step, saving an individual valuable time when reloading an assault rifle or other magazine fed weapon.

The claimed invention differs from what currently exists. This invention is better than other magazine draw devices because it provides a built in retention system. Magazine draw devices currently available on the market do not have a built in retention system.

This invention is an improvement on what currently exists. This invention is better than other magazine draw devices because it is more ergonomically friendly and provides a faster draw. Magazine draw devices which are currently available, do assist an individual in drawing a magazine from a magazine pouch, but these systems are not ergonomically friendly and the magazine is produced in such a manner that it is held mostly by the fingers instead of both the fingers and the palm. This uncomfortable position in one's hand makes insertion of the magazine into a rifle more difficult than necessary. The most natural and advantageous way to hold an ammunition magazine is deep in the palm of the hand. Holding a magazine deep in the palm of the hand allows a person to use more thrust, ensuring a good seat of the magazine in the magazine well of a rifle during loading and reloading. This invention draws a magazine deep into the palm of the hand. This invention protrudes slightly from the magazine like a hook and easily catches a person's hand or finger as it passes by the magazine pouch on a load bearing vest. This design makes the invention faster than magazine draw devices currently available on the market.

This invention does two things that previous ammunition magazine draw systems do not do. First, this invention is designed so that when an individual uses the invention to draw a magazine from its pouch, the magazine is drawn into the palm of the hand, providing a more solid and more comfortable grasp on the magazine. Second, this invention has a built-in retention feature.

The Version of The Invention Discussed Here Includes:

-   1. Adhesive Tape -   2. Base Plate -   3. Arch -   4. Retention Arm -   5. Retention Lip -   6. Finger Hook

Relationship Between The Components:

The adhesive tape 1 can be attached to the base plate 2 by adhering one side of the adhesive tape 1 against the bottom of the base plate 2. The retention arm 4 extends from the arch 3 and discontinues at the retention lip 5. The finger hook 6 extends from the top of the arch 3, separating from, and rising away from the retention arm 4. The base plate 2, arch 3, retention arm 4, retention lip 5, and finger hook 6 are one piece, molded from the same metal.

In some embodiments, the base plate 2, arch 3, retention arm 4, retention lip 5, and finger hook 6 can be separate pieces connected to one another. In some embodiments, the base plate 2, arch 3, retention arm 4, retention lip 5, and finger hook 6 can be manufactured from other materials, such as but not limited to, metals, polymers, plastics, and carbon fibers.

The adhesive tape 1 is approximately 3 inches long by 1 ¾ inches wide and is to the exact shape of the base plate 2.

The base plate 2 is approximately 3 inches long by 1 ¾ inches wide. The arch 3 is approximately ⅜ inch tall at its highest point. The retention arm 4 (from the finger hook 6 to the end of the retention lip 5) is approximately 1 ¾ inches long. The retention arm 4 is 1 ⅝ inches wide at its widest point but narrows to approximately 1 ⅛ inch as it travels toward the retention lip 5. The retention lip 5 is approximately ¾ inch wide.

The retention arm 4 is above the base plate 2 and travels from the finger hook 6 for approximately 1 ⅛ inches before curving and descending down to the base plate 2 and back up to the retention lip 5. The finger hook 6 is curved like a hook, is approximately ⅝ inch wide, having jagged edges, and rises approximately ¾ inch above the retention arm 4. The size and shape of the arch 3 can vary. The size and shape of the retention arm 4 can vary. The size and shape of the retention lip 5 can vary. The size and shape of the finger hook 6 can vary. The distance and space between the finger hook 6 and the retention arm 4 can vary.

How The Invention Works:

To implement the invention, one must attach the invention to an ammunition magazine by pressing the adhesive side of the adhesive tape against the side of the magazine. Although the invention can be attached to a magazine in any manner preferable to the user, it is suggested that the invention be attached in the following manner for a right handed shooter:

With the magazine turned sideways, bullets down, bullets facing left, attach the invention to side of the magazine and near the base (non-bullet end). The mouth of the finger hook, that is the opening between the finger hook and the retention arm, should be facing down (toward the bullets). The adhesive properties of the adhesive tape should be allowed time to take hold. Insert the magazine into a magazine pouch (bullets facing down) on a load bearing vest, body armor carrier, or other system as one normally would to store a magazine of rifle ammunition. As the magazine enters the pouch, the retention lip should fit over the outside of the pouch and cause the retention arm to travel over the pouch like a clip. As the magazine enters the pouch, lift up on the finger hook of the invention. This lifting action will cause the retention arm and retention lip to slightly rise away from the side of the base plate and magazine, creating an opening for the rim of the magazine pouch to fit into. Once the rim of the magazine pouch is inside the opening, release the finger hook and the retention arm will press firmly against the outside of the magazine pouch. The invention is essentially pinching down on the magazine pouch and holding the magazine in place.

To quickly remove the magazine from its pouch, a user must simply slide his/her fingers up the outside of the pouch, making contact with and drawing up on the finger hook. This pressure on the finger hook causes the retention arm to lift away from the magazine pouch, freeing the magazine. The user continues to draw the magazine upward and out of the pouch by the invention. When used properly, and drawn by the fingers, the invention draws the magazine in a manner that causes said magazine to land in the palm of the user's hand, providing a comfortable and firm grasp on the magazine.

While employing this invention, the user need not engage any hood, loop, cover, or other securing device that may be built into the magazine pouch.

How To Make The Invention:

To make the present invention, heated metal can be injected into a single mold. The mold is in the shape and design of all the components of the invention with the exception of the adhesive tape. The mold is shaped in such a manner that it creates one piece consisting of the base plate 2, the arch 3, the retention arm 4, the retention lip 5, and the finger hook 6.

A 3 inch by 1 ¾ inch section of double sided 3M tape, or other brand of industrial strength, double sided tape is cut to the dimensions of the base plate.

After the metal component is removed from the mold, the adhesive tape 1 is applied to the bottom of the base plate. The adhesive tape will stick to the base plate.

To finish, a thin plastic film or other protective covering is left over the bottom of the invention, protecting the adhesive properties of the second side of the double sided tape until it is time to apply the invention to an ammunition magazine.

In some embodiments, the retention arm, retention lip, and finger hook are made separately from the rest of the invention, in a separate, single mold. A pivotal joint can be made which connects the two molded pieces. A spring, flexible piece of metal, or other item producing force, can be placed at the pivotal joint causing the retention arm to bear down against the base plate.

In some embodiments, the device can be manufactured with a ledge or ridge in place of the finger hook, to perform the same function as the finger hook.

In some embodiments, the device may be manufactured with retention teeth, located at the underside of the retention arm, for the purpose of providing the arm with more grip when in contact with a magazine pouch.

In some embodiments, the device may be manufactured without the retention arm. However, when made without the retention arm the invention functions only as a device to draw an ammunition magazine and no longer has retention capabilities.

How To Use The Invention:

Using a standard 30 round ammunition magazine designed for an assault rifle, hold the magazine with the bullets facing down and to the left. Attach the invention to the side of the magazine by pressing the adhesive side of the adhesive tape against the magazine. The adhesive tape of the invention should fit close to the non-bullet end of the magazine. The mouth of the finger hook, created by the finger hook and the retention arm, should be facing down and toward the bullets.

Once the invention is attached to the magazine, insert the magazine into a magazine pouch on a load bearing vest, body armor carrier, or similarly worn kit (covering the chest). You should be wearing the carrier during demonstration or use. The bullets should be facing down and to your right when inserted in the pouch of the carrier. As the magazine is inserted into the pouch, lift up on the finger hook, lessening the pressure applied between the retention arm and the side of the magazine. Push down on the magazine allowing the rim of the magazine pouch to slide past the retention lip and under the retention arm (the device should slide over and grasp the magazine pouch like a clip). Release the finger hook and the invention will pinch the magazine pouch with its retention arm. The magazine is now secure in the magazine pouch.

Do not use any hood, strap, cover, or other retention device that may be built into the magazine pouch. When possible, remove any hood, strap, cover, or other retention device that may be built into the magazine pouch.

When conducting a reload, bring up the left hand along the carrier with fingers curled and your index finger against your chest. As your fingers sweep upward, allow your index finger to slide against the invention, catching the finger hook. As your hand continues to rise, your finger will catch on the finger hook, slightly lessening the pressure of the retention arm on the magazine pouch. The continued sweeping motion with the fingers will draw the magazine into your palm. Once grasped, draw the magazine out, invert the magazine so that the bullets are facing up, and easily insert the magazine into the magazine well of the rifle.

Additionally: The invention can be used with any size rifle magazine for any type of rifle or firearm. The invention can be applied to any tool which rests in a pouch or pocket. The invention can be applied to tools in the field of carpentry. 

1-9. (canceled)
 10. An ammunition magazine retention and drawing device comprising: a base plate capable of being adhered to an ammunition magazine; an arch connected to the base plate; a retention arm, connected to the arch, having a retention lip, wherein the retention arm and base plate provide opposing pressure, wherein the opposing pressure causes the retention lip to be biased toward the base plate; and a finger handle attached to the retention arm; the device configured for movement of the finger handle counteracting an amount of the opposing pressure.
 11. The ammunition magazine retention and drawing device of claim 10 wherein when the movement of the finger handle is from a resting position, the movement counteracts an amount of the opposing pressure by applying a counteracting force greater than the opposing pressure.
 12. The ammunition magazine retention and drawing device of claim 10 wherein the finger handle comprises a hook designed to fit one or more fingers.
 13. The ammunition magazine retention and drawing device of claim 10 wherein the finger handle is curved and is configured to accommodate one or more fingers within a concave portion of the finger handle.
 14. The ammunition magazine retention and drawing device of claim 13 wherein pressure applied to the concave portion, by the one or more fingers, produces movement of the finger handle from a resting position whereby an amount of the opposing pressure is counteracted causing the lip to move away from the base plate.
 15. The ammunition magazine retention and drawing device of claim 10 wherein the finger handle comprises jagged edges to resist slipping.
 16. The ammunition magazine retention and drawing device of claim 10 wherein the finger handle is a finger ledge or ridge.
 17. The ammunition magazine retention and drawing device of claim 10 wherein the retention lip and arch are positioned at opposite ends of the retention arm, and the finger handle is attached to the retention arm at a position between the retention lip and the arch.
 18. The ammunition magazine retention and drawing device of claim 10 wherein the base plate is located facing one side of the retention arm and the finger handle extends from an opposite side of the retention arm, such that the retention arm is between the base plate and the finger handle.
 19. The ammunition magazine retention and drawing device of claim 10 wherein the arch is spaced from a second arch to thereby form a space therebetween, the second arch is connected to the base plate and the retention arm, and wherein the finger handle is positioned exterior to the space.
 20. The ammunition magazine retention and drawing device of claim 10 wherein the retention lip enables the device to slide over an edge of a magazine pouch.
 21. The ammunition magazine retention and drawing device of claim 10 wherein the arch is configured to accommodate and receive an edge of a magazine pouch.
 22. A method for an ammunition magazine retention and drawing device comprising: providing a base plate and an adhesive, wherein the base plate is capable of being adhered to an ammunition magazine via the adhesive; providing an arch connected to the base plate; providing a retention arm, connected to the arch, having a retention lip, wherein the retention arm and base plate provide opposing pressure, wherein the opposing pressure causes the lip to be biased toward the base plate; and providing a finger handle attached to the retention arm, wherein an amount of the opposing pressure is counteracted by movement of the finger handle.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein when the movement of the finger handle is from a resting position, the movement counteracts an amount of the opposing pressure by applying a counteracting force greater than the opposing pressure.
 24. The method of claim 22 wherein the finger handle comprises a hook designed to fit one or more fingers.
 25. The method of claim 22 wherein the finger handle is curved and is configured to accommodate one or more fingers within a concave portion of the finger handle.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein pressure applied to the concave portion, by the one or more fingers, produces movement of the finger handle from a resting position whereby an amount of the opposing pressure is counteracted causing the lip to move away from the base plate.
 27. The method of claim 22 wherein the finger handle comprises jagged edges to resist slipping.
 28. The method of claim 22 wherein the finger handle is a finger ledge or ridge.
 29. The method of claim 22 wherein the retention lip and arch are positioned at opposite ends of the retention arm, and the finger handle is attached to the retention arm at a position between the retention lip and the arch.
 30. The method of claim 22 wherein the base plate is located facing one side of the retention arm and the finger handle extends from an opposite side of the retention arm, such that the retention arm is between the base plate and the finger handle.
 31. The method of claim 22 wherein the arch is spaced from a second arch to thereby form a space therebetween, the second arch is connected to the base plate and the retention arm, and wherein the finger handle is positioned exterior to the space. 